Carnival Australia is proud of its leading role in the landmark achievement of a million Australian cruise passengers a year, CEO Ann Sherry said today following the release of the cruise industry’s latest annual growth report.

Ms Sherry said the million passengers milestone – achieved six years ahead of forecast – also again confirmed cruising’s position as the stunning success story of Australian tourism.

“Building on more than a decade of double digit annual growth, cruising is at the centre of a tourism phenomenon that goes from strength to strength,’ Ms Sherry said.

“In addition to dramatic increases in passenger numbers from year to year, market penetration based on population in Australia surged to a world leading 4.2% in 2014.

“When we set the target of a million Australians cruising by 2020, such an audacious goal was considered wildly ambitious but here we are celebrating the milestone’s achievement six years earlier.

“This achievement is an indication of how Australians have taken cruise holidays to their hearts and their huge choice of brands, ships and fabulous destinations in our own region and internationally.

“With its seven distinctive brands and its industry leadership, I am very proud of the part Carnival Australia has played in surpassing the million passengers a year landmark.